Feds announce major funding for Indigenous mental health support

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – The federal government has marked the beginning of Canada’s national mental health week with a funding announcement to help support Indigenous communities across the country.

The federal government said in accordance with the budget, it will be investing $597 million over three years, beginning in 2021/2022 to continue to provide support for survivors of residential schools and their families, whilst stabilizing other community-based support.

The announcement follows a recent Statistics Canada report that showed six out of 10 Indigenous people say their mental health had worsened since the beginning of the pandemic.

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According to a statement, this funding package will take care of emotional, cultural and mental health support.

Over the next five years, $2 billion will be used to build social development programs as well as early learning and child care.

It will also include social development programs that build strong connections and focus on resiliency and emotional regulation in young children.